Helianthus annuus var. Mongolian Giant - Giant Sunflower - Seeds

Description

• Asteraceae Asterales
• North America (West)
• H 3.5m x W 0.8m
•  Z7 
• Annual
• 1 packet of 20 seeds

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Details

The Sunflower is cultivated on an industrial scale for its seed, a source of an edible oil rich in linoleic acid and low in cholesterol

This oil is used in the composition of cooking oils, margarines, etc., as well as in the composition of soaps, candles, paints, varnishes, etc.

Sunflower seeds are eaten sprouted, grilled and salted (snack), or mixed with breakfast cereals and bread flours

Other parts of Helianthus annuus also find some secondary industrial uses (paper from the bark of the seed and the stem of the plant; fuel from the stem; yellow dye from the flower)

The leaves and the flower can be used as an infusion, the sunflower having medicinal properties: Anti-psoriasis, Anti-rheumatic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, and Stomachic

Flowering lasts several weeks and is an abundant source of pollen for bees and bumblebees - they love it!

There is a great diversity of Sunflower varieties: Dwarf or giant, ornamental or for agriculture, with single, double, or full flowers, and of very variable color, ranging from whitish to bright yellow, deep orange, profound pinkish red, and even almost black

The variety "Mongolian Giant" (an agricultural selection from the Sovietic era) is among the most gigantic varieties

The adult plant can reach 4 meters high, with leaves more than 60cm wide

Its single, bright yellow flower, as magnificent as a sun, single at the top of an extremely robust stem, is enormous, with a heart often reaching 50cm in diameter

The seed is also among the largest produced by sunflowers

Unlike many giant sunflowers that break or shed, Mongolian Giant knows how to stand proudly without any help

Use the Mongolian Giant Sunflower both as a spectacular ornamental (abnormal dimensions, remarkable gigantic flower) and for seeds production (eaten roasted and salted as an aperitif)

Please Note!
Sunflower roots secrete growth inhibitors that have a negative and lasting impact on surrounding plants
Whichever variety of Sunflower you grow, install them a couple of meters away from cultivated areas

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Cultivation

Sow Helianthus annuus in place at the end of May in warmed soil in a sunny position and sheltered from strong winds

Absolutely protect the seedlings from birds, rodents, and slugs, which all love it - although not the same way you do

To avoid the trouble, you'd better sow in the nursery at the beginning of May, in pots, and quickly transplant into the ground by burying the stem up to the cotyledons (this results in a better rooting and stronger plants)

When the plants reach 15 to 20 cm tall, they should be safe

Growth is then extremely fast, especially if your soil is fertile, temperature is hot, and rain falls

Flowering in July-August, harvest flowers for dyeing when in bloom, harvest seeds in September